By Lynsi Musselman

The downtown merchants will host their annual trick-or-treat event on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Michelle Alexander with Vintage Vanilla said non-merchants are invited to set up between the shops or at Bank Park to pass out candy as well.

“This year we are trying to make this a bigger event since the Fall Fest had to be cancelled,” Alexander explained.

After the kids’ trick-or treat, participants and others are invited to come grab a hot dog or two at the Bank Park.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Chest campaign is off and running, with directors setting a 2020 goal of $41,000, $1,000 less than last year. 

Twenty-five different organizations submitted requests for this year’s funding, all of which were considered and approved by the board during a meeting held on Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

Although several current members and inductees weren’t able to attend, a total of 17 junior and senior students at Albany High School were recognized last Sunday afternoon after they were selected by the AISD staff to become a part of the AHS National Honor Society.The induction ceremony was held in the AHS auditorium.

By Lynsi Musselman

The 32nd annual anti-drug campaign called Red Ribbon Week kicks off Oct. 26-30 for the Albany Independent School District.

The event is sponsored locally by AISD and the Albany Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, with support provided by several other state and local agencies.

The national theme for 2020 is “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free.”

A full five-day observation of Red Ribbon Week, including dress-up themes each day, will be held on both campuses this year.

By Lynsi Musselman

The Albany High School marching band is getting ready for the University Interscholastic League East Zone marching contest on Saturday, Nov. 7, after UIL delayed the contest due to COVID-19 precautions.

The UIL East Zone marching contest normally would be taking place this coming weekend, with the Ragin’ Red Band as a contestant.

Albany band director William Vaughn said that instead a clinician will be in Albany this Saturday, Oct. 17 to work with the students. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany Fellowship of Christian Athlete students  can join other youth on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium for the Big Country FCA sponsored Fields of Faith.

FCA Big Country East representative and local pastor Paul Johnston said that all junior high and high school students are welcome to attend the event.

By Lynsi Musselman

Members of Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will host their second annual ‘Ribgate’ on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:00 to 6:45 p.m.

Pastor Anthoy Ceder said this is an opportunity to host the community of Albany in an outdoor “tailgate” event in the MMPC backyard.

All are invited.

FBC Event Cancelled

First Baptist Church’s annual chili supper traditionally held at 5:30 p.m. before the homecoming game, has been cancelled for this year.

By Lynsi Musselman

Trinity Lutheran Church  will observe “Mission” Sunday during the regular church service on Sunday, Oct. 18 in place of the annual Fall Mission Festival.

Pastor Tom Chandler said that to plan an event with an outside speaker takes time.

“With all the uncertainties this year, it was too hard to put anything in place,” Chandler added.

Trinity Lutheran’s Fall Mission Festival typically has missionaries from outside the community come and present their missionary work during a meal and fellowship.

By Lynsi Musselman

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be presenting fire safety information to local school children Friday, Oct. 16 as part of National Fire Prevention Week.

“We plan to take our big engines and rescue truck for the kids to see this year,” said fire chief Kyle Tischler. “We also might get the chance to speak with the students in small groups.”

The VFD plans to be at Nancy Smith Elementary School in the morning and will visit Moran the same day as well.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The four high school girls running cross country track this season ran at a meet in Seymour last week as they prepare for the district meet in two weeks.

The foursome was in Anson Oct. 14, with results to be reported next week.

The team will compete in Munday on Oct. 21, then return to Anson on Oct. 28 for the district meet.

Placing at Seymour on Oct. 7 were 12. Briley Tabor 15:24; 13. Brylee Moore 15:28; 20. Sidney Russell 16.11; and 25. Maci Hatchett 15.28.